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Perched high on a bank, I could see into the entire pool. The sun was out, it had been behind the clouds for a lot of the morning, so I was scoping quickly before the clouds moved in again. The pool was big and varied with depth and cover and my eyes were picking out the most likely lies from the bottom of the pool to the top.. Then I saw him. Cruising an eddy, a really big fish with a green back and pink flanks and fins. I knew it was an incredible fish. The sun highlighted the colour by shining through his fins. Bright pink, a beautiful, unforgettable sight, but was dying for a piss. Before I could take this fish on, I had to go. The excitement made me need to go even more. I’m not sure if that’s normal. With one eye on the fish and the other making sure I missed my waders, I did what I had to do.

Back in the zone, this time fully, I watched the fish as he picked up speed and disappeared into the depths of the pool. His slight acceleration suggested that he may have been spooked. I was pretty inconspicuous I thought, but sometimes trout just become aware of your presence for no apparent reason. I watched and watched but he did not return. I stud up and started walking on up river and there he was. He had moved out of the main pool and up into a deep riffle at the head. I followed, but quickly lost him. I rushed back to see if he was back in the main pool, but he was not. I went back to the riffle and briefly spotted him again, then lost him. I watched the water for a while more without a sight. I got myself to river level. I peered in but could not see him. There was a 20′ x 10′ section in the riffle where I could not really see into. Instinct told that’s where he was so I sent in a blind cast. I watched my dry carefully as it drifted downstream carrying 2 nymphs under it. I looked upstream to recast but before I took my flies from the water I glanced to where they were. The green back and pink flanks were where my flies should be. I lifted and the rod bent.

The fight was solid. I had to clamber around a large boulder which overhung the deepest part of the pool as the fish took off down stream. I could not hold him so had to follow. Thankfully Jeff was on the other side of the rock to drag me the rest of the way.. “I have you, 100%” he said. After a few more runs Jeff netted him for me. I thought he might crack the mythical 10lb mark, but he fell short by three quarters of a pound. This did not matter. Such a stunning fish I have rarely seen. This trout in my all time top 5. The photo below does him justice! Thanks for the shot Jeff..

Ronan..

After a fun 4×4 mission we got to where we wanted to be!

Walking, searching…

Onto a fish which I hooked and lost… Big!

Hooked into another.. The battle begins!

I had to clamber around this rock.. Jeff was on the other side to drag me the rest of the way!

Around the obstacle, the battle continues..

Strong fish.. almost done!

Relief, in the net!

Absolutely spectacular!

Back he goes..

Change of tactics..

Some good decisions late in the day gave Jeff a last chance to catch one…

Heading home as the light started to fade. The road suffered from floods.. big time!

No road!

NZ fly fishing is often a wee bit adventurous!

One obstacle after the next…

Still looking after her, John Boy!

This bit was a little dodgy!

Back to tar seal.. I didn’t spot that sign in the morning. I don’t think it would have made any difference! Actually, I’m sure..

Day 2. 1.5hrs fishing.. The smell of the wild thyme is incredible..

Pretty relaxing in my floating armchair!

One fat little brown!

I had the sinking line set up for the deep parts.. Too many snags!

Not a nice photo to finish with. I saw this fish acting weird, I was able to get close enough to take this photo. I don’t know what this white fungus is or if it’s anything to be concerned about..